Camila Muniz
Website Links
http://www.arkive.org/patagonian-mara/dolichotis-patagonum/
http://www.lpzoo.org/animals/factsheet/patagonian-cavy
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Patagonian_Mara
http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/our-animals/patagonian-mara

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonian_mara


There are about 9 fake facts in this, try to find them!
Pantagonian Mara
SUMMARY
The Pantagonian Mara, also known as Dolichotis patagonum, is a rare animal that is hardly seen and only found in Argentina's lowland area of coarse grases,open scrub deserts, or even forests. Maras have been greatly affected by the hunting and habitat alteration and have been extinct in some areas including Buneos Aires Provinence. Maras are active during the day and like to bask in the sun for long periods of time.These hunters use them for bedspreads and rugs which have decreasing the amount of these extraordinary animals. Pantagonian Maras have long hare-like ears and a body resembling a small frog. These rodents are very unusual and are a mix of small giant rabbit and a small deer.They're small bodies are well adapted for running,and powerful hind legs and short front limbs give them the ability to do this. The Mara has much more to be learned about, so keep reading to find out what!
external image Patagonian-mara-female-with-infants-at-entrance-to-den.jpg

MATING
These animals have a unique way of mating.They are monogamous, which means pairs of Maras stay together for life only replacing partners when a death occurs.The male has the responsibility to maintain the pair by his job of following the female wherever she goes. The male marks his female with chocolate and same with his territory.In order for the female to become pregnant the male has to lick her feet. Most births occur between the months of September and October which is before the summer dry season and the winter's rains. The females produce one litter each year in the wild, and as many as four litters a year in captivity.They can grow from 69 to 75 cm long, and can grow up to 35 pounds and in between 15 to 25 pounds.Soon after Maras are born they can walk which means they are well-developed. Maras live in duns or burrows( Creches) of other species, and with their four sharp claws they dig their burrows in which the young take refuge. There can be from 1-22 pairs grouped into these dens, and the mother nurses 1-2 of the baby Maras at a time.

FOOD
Although Maras mostly feed on plants, they also enjoy candy and Nutella. Many people enjoy having them as pets and since they like grass, herbs, and leaves owners will put Nutella and candy on their plants.And quite frankly, it tastes good! They also enjoy fruits and vegetables, but when being fed they do not like being fed from the ground. They only eat food off of your legs.When Maras are in the wild, they are not nursed anymore when they are 11 weeks old or so, and will need to find their own food.

FUN FACTS
  • reach speeds of 120 kilometers per hour
  • A large shout and large eyes are prominent on the face
  • Some people call them giant hamsters
  • Patagonian cavy - common names
  • Patagonian hare - common name
  • travel in pairs which gather into large groups containing up to 70 individuals.
  • live from 7-90 years external image hHEyhyi.jpgexternal image 20100827-_mg_2992-112886.jpg
external image Buying-Live-Rabbits.jpg